This was not an easy decision for the 49ers, despite the fact that Smith had been one of the top pass-rusher in the NFL since entering the league in 2011. The former first-round pick finished with 14 sacks in his rookie season before totaling 19.5 in 2012.

He made the Pro Bowl and was first-team All-Pro while helping the 49ers reach the Super Bowl.

Unfortunately, his problems off the field started to affect his play on it when he was charged with a DUI during the regular season in 2013. He eventually checked into rehab following the incident, keeping him out of five games.

The organization then waited until the final day before the deadline to make a decision surrounding the linebacker. However, it is clear that the production on the field was enough to outweigh the problems off it.

Albert Breer of NFL Network notes that this at least sent a message to Smith:

If this forces the linebacker to clean up his act and avoid more problems, everyone will be happy. If not, the 49ers still have the power to trade the talented player for a potentially high draft pick.

Either way, Smith is now under team control through the 2015 season, and the squad can delay any long-term decision surrounding the player. He will now have a few more years to prove himself in all aspects as he hopes to be part of the future in San Francisco.

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